The Qualifying Exam is usually taken after one year in the program. It is based on STAT 401 (probability), STAT 411 (Statistical Theory), and ECON 534 (Econometrics I). The texts for these courses are Hogg, McKean, and Craig's book on mathematical statistics and Greene's book on econometrics. Note that this does not mean that the questions on the exams will be taken directly from these books. Rather, it is the student's responsibility to become knowledgeable about the field of statistics in general. The courses are taught by different instructors at different times. The exam is not pegged to specific offerings of these courses but rather tests general knowledge of probability, statistics, and econometrics at the level of these courses. The attainment of such general knowledge marks part of the transition from being a student to being a professional.
Robert V. Hogg, Joseph W. McKean and Allen T. Craig. Introduction to Mathematical Statistics. 6th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2005. (Available 2004.) ISBN # 0-13-008507-3.
William H. Greene. Econometric Analysis. 5th ed. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.